Asian Games 2023: Neeraj Chopra wins javelin throw gold with 88.88m best attempt

Chopra defended his Asian Games javelin throw title in Hangzhou on Wednesday with a best effort of 88.88 metres.

India’s Neeraj Chopra competes in the men’s javelin throw final during the Diamond League. | Photo Credit: AFP

India’s Neeraj Chopra defended his Asian Games javelin throw title in Hangzhou on Wednesday with a best effort of 88.88 metres.

Chopra’s compatriot Kishore Kumar Jena gave him a run for the gold medal but ended just short at 87.54 metres to claim the silver medal.

There was drama too at the event after Chopra’s first attempt was chalked off and he was asked to re-attempt following a technical glitch in the scoring system.

Chopra, however, went again to land the javelin at 82.38 metres. He followed it up with 84.49 metres. There was another twist in the tail when Jena, who had recorded a best of 81.26 metres, landed the javelin at a distance of 86.77 to snatch the lead.

But the World Champion fought back to hit 88.88 metres which was enough to get him the top spot. Jena made a fourth throw of 87.54 metres to set his personal best.